Deborah

Why “thing” weakens your writing (and how to fix it)

Small words can have a big impact on your story, and not always for the right reasons. One of those small words is “things”.

Tell me your opinion on this

Kia ora, I’m heading away this weekend, so I’m getting my gear together. Snacks are a key part of the day walk and tramping experience. My go-tos: One Square Meal bars (apricot or cranberry) and Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs. But I’ve got to tell you: I can’t do scroggin. Even if I lace it with M&Ms.Continue reading “Tell me your opinion on this”

I’m so inspired

Kia ora, A few weeks ago I sent an edit back to a new writer. I always find this to be a nail-biting experience. Will they like my edits? Will they find my suggestions helpful? Have I caught everything I can? My main goal is always to help writers bring out the best in theirContinue reading “I’m so inspired”

Why “decide” weakens your writing (and how to fix it)

Is “decide” weakening your writing? This small word can slow pacing, strip emotional depth, and trap you in telling rather than showing. My latest blog post shows how focusing on actions, rather than decisions, creates more engaging scenes.

Celebrating writing wins

Last week I wrapped up a copyedit for a local writer. This was our fourth time working together. His first book all those years ago was great – strong opening chapter, well paced narrative, realistic characterisation. Even with that solid foundation, I made a lot of edits. He’d done all that solid work, so IContinue reading “Celebrating writing wins”

Cosy season & a question for you

Kia ora, I’ve had a busy week so far. Here’s a round up: Okay, over to you. What’s one thing you’re excited about as the seasons change? Reply and let me know! Until next time, stay warm (or cool, if you’re in the northern hemisphere). Deborah PS: Last week I finished reading What Happens ifContinue reading “Cosy season & a question for you”

Filter out these words

Kia ora, One of the common comments I leave on manuscripts is, “You can cut out the filter words here.” Filter words tell us what you see, hear, taste, or think, rather than show us what you see, hear, taste, or think. Check out this straightforward way of making your writing more immersive. See youContinue reading “Filter out these words”

Catching up on that to-do list

Kia ora, I’m catching up from my week away, hence why this week’s email is a little late. But you may have seen an email from me earlier in the week- my latest blog post, Writing a travel memoir can be cathartic. Check it out if you haven’t already, and let me know if itContinue reading “Catching up on that to-do list”

Writing a travel memoir can be cathartic

The travel and adventure genre has many sub genres, and one of the most challenging to write is memoir. Writing a memoir can be a kind of therapy or catharsis, and writing a memoir set around a trip you took adds another layer of complexity.

My recent favourites

Kia ora, I’m preparing for some much-needed time off, so this week I’m sharing a list of interesting links for you to check out. Okay. I’m going to log off. See you next week! Deborah PS. My out-of-office is on, so if you send me an email, I’ll check in when I turn my laptopContinue reading “My recent favourites”